The Will
Amaya: Well, hey y'all!! How are y'all doing on this wonderful day? Thank you soooo much, those of you who so graciously reviewed this fic!! I love you so much, I will give each of you a shout-out!!
Harvestboy2001 - Yeah, you better be following this!! Just kidding. I'm expecting some more reviews from you!! =P
The Mewtwo Queen - Thank you honey bunches of oats for your sweet review!! Your approval means a lot to me!!
DivinoDraco - Sorry it's been taking so long to update!! With school starting and everything, my free time has been reduced by a lot. Thanks for your review!!
anime26angel - Thanks so much for your kind reviews!! I'm a HUGE fan of yours, believe me. Your review mean SO MUCH to me. Thank you!! Hugs and kisses!! :-)
fairy-lights1 - Thankies to you, too!! From the bottom of my heart!!
Lady Nailo - From the DEPTHS of my SOUL, thank you for your inspiring review!! It's that kind of encouragement that keeps me writing. Thank you SO MUCH.
Laura Vogel - I completely agree that many things online are horrible stuff. . .I'll do anything I can to contribute to the rare good stuff you see. Thank you so much for your reviews.
I AM ME/LCDM - You are one of my personal favorite reviewers. You always have something nice to say, or some constructive criticism to offer. Thanks for stickin' with me!! You have no idea how much that means to me!! I, too, noticed that Kent and Stu and the preacher all talk about God also, but I never really thought about it, just brushed it aside. I never really got the impression that they worshipped God, just acknowledged His presence. Although, in the story, I'm making it to where they know nothing of a God. Hey, it is my story!! Lol.
farmerboy - I enjoyed your review, and I'm glad you enjoyed this fic. Thank you for adding me to your favorites' list!!
fairyfriend - I love getting reviews from you!! You are so. . .so. . .COOL!! You've always got a little bit of joy to add to your reviews, and I just love 'em!! Thank you so much!!
anonymous - Your review counts as one of my favorites, too!! Thank you honey bunches of oats!!
ND - I didn't really enjoy reading either of your reviews, as they totally bashed God and everything He stands for. NOTHING is impossible with God (Luke 1:37), and the story is not finished yet. No need to jump to conclusions. I intend to keep the story as realistic as God leads me to. Again, God can do ANYTHING, even change the hearts of the older, hard-core goddess believers, and soften them. . .God can throw a mountain into the sea. Don't you believe He can move a village?
Lynnika - I really loved your review!! I have ALWAYS believed Karen and Gray should be together, at least at one point in time. I finally got to make it happen!! Thank you!!
Red Sonic - Oh - my - gosh. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You completely made my day with your review!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! ***beams with happiness***
~oOoOoOo~
The air was crisp and pure, but the cold stung like needles. It was Spring 1, but thick clumps of snow were still piled around Flower Bud, dampening every inhabitant's spirits. . .as if our spirits weren't dampened enough. Normally, we'd be holding the New Year's Festival in the Town Square, but no one could find it in their hearts to postpone Pappy's funeral.
Boots sloshing through the snow, I made my way to the square, accompanied by Mother and Kai. I hugged myself, teeth chattering from the near unbearable cold. Icicles hung, slowly melting, from the still barren trees; frost tinted the windows of every building visible. The sky was gray and gloomy, a perfect match for that day's sad mourning.
I wasn't surprised, upon arrival at the Town Square, to see nearly everybody seated in rows of gray folding chairs, all facing an open, wooden casket. I quickly abandoned my mother and Kai, and found Ann. Sliding into the cold seat next to her, I reached out to grasp her hand with my fingers. We made eye contact, and a single tear escaped my jade green eyes, sliding down my face like a melted popsicle.
An old microphone suddenly whirred and whistled as Brother Jacobson sorrowfully approached it, clearing his throat. "We have come together today as a village to mourn the loss of our beloved Joe Tandley: and to most of Flower Bud's people, our Pappy. But as we recall all the good times, as well as turbulent ones, we must remember that Joe would not want us to continually despair for his lost life."
I nodded, knowing in full that Brother Jacobson's words were true. I sniffled, wiping a stray tear from my puffy red face. I touched a lock of my golden hair with my fingertips, reminded of how Pappy used to reach out with his old wrinkled hand and smooth it out, or gently push it back behind my ear. How I longed for him to do it just one more time. . .
"He's right!" cried Hector, the Potion Shop Dealer.
"Yeah!" shouted the Midwife. "This should be a joyful, cheery. . .good-bye party!"
I tried to smile at their feeble attempts to lighten up the funeral. They had good intentions, I knew, but I just could not overcome the grief. . .the despair.
Brother Jacobson smiled a little, again speaking into the rusty microphone. "If anyone would like to say something to or about our dear Pappy, feel free to step up and share." With that, he collected his sleeves and stepped away from the small platform that had been erected.
Doug Green stepped up first, Ann leaving her seat to join him, followed shortly by the reluctant Gray. "Joe," Doug said, removing his black winter hat in respect. "You were a good man. Some good man you were, Joe. I just want you to know - " He paused, a hint of tears in his last few words, before sniffling and continuing, " - I hold the utmost respect for you." He nodded at Pappy's still body, which lay in the coffin, and stepped off the platform, directly into Hector's friendly embrace.
Gray stepped up with a brief sentence of admiration. "Dad's right, Pappy. Everyone can look up to you. Thanks for all the good times." Wiping away what looked like a tear, he moved away from the mic.
I took a breath as Ann cleared her throat, streaks of tears all down her face. "I love you, Pappy," she said, hardly able to compose herself. "I'll miss you. . .We'll all miss you. You were great, Pappy. Good-bye."
I stood, walking forward to hug my friend tightly. She sobbed onto my shoulder for a moment, as several other people said a word or two about Pappy. I cupped her face in my hands, stroking her cheeks with my thumbs. "It's alright, Ann," I murmured, though I didn't know if I even believed my own words. "It's okay."
Giving her another pat on the back, I strode up the platform, a pink rose in hand, in fact, one of the twelve he'd given me the night of my party. Carefully placing it upon his unmoving chest, I said, inaudibly to all other people (I was not at the microphone), "I'll miss you, Pappy. . .and I hope you know how much you meant, and still mean to me. I love you. Thank you for your lovely pink roses, and yes, they're still my favorite. They always will be." I planted a kiss on my own cold fingers, transferring it to his aged old face. "They always will be."
As I stepped down, my eyes almost completely blurred with tears, I noticed a different face in the crowd, seated in the second row on the lefthand side. I nearly gasped aloud when I noticed he was wearing a blue and orange baseball cap very similar to Pappy's, and that he was staring straight at me. My first reaction was the thought that he was cute, but I pushed it aside. However, I could not help wondering who he was. . .
~oOo~
Later, all of us girls were gathered in Popuri's bedroom. Maria seated herself at a pink desk and sighed. "I was expecting the funeral to be longer and. . .-"
"Drearier," Popuri finished, plopping down onto her bed, stretching herself out on her frontside.
"Me, too." Elli nodded, patting Popuri's back soothingly.
Ann and I said nothing, both of us sitting on a cute pink loveseat near the window. In fact, silence filled the room after Elli's words. Suddenly, Ann just burst into tears. She let herself fall into my arms, and, a bit startled at first, I caught her. The other three girls moved closer, and somehow, we all ended up in a big, five-person embrace. Soon, we were all crying. "Well, don't we look silly," Elli said, wiping away a handful of tears with a sniffle. She stood up, smiling through her puffy pink face.
We all chuckled for a breath, each rubbing at our own watery eyes. Kleenex were soon passed around, providing a supply of relief and even a bit of consolace. After a few minutes of meaningless chatter, Popuri asked, "Did anyone see that boy?"
"What boy?" Maria furrowed her dark eyebrows.
"Yes, I saw him," Elli said, nodding a bit.
"Me, too," I added, flopping down next to Ann on Popuri's bed.
"I think I did," my freckled friend said uncertainly. "The guy with the blue hat and tan face?"
"That's the one I saw," Popuri shrugged with a smile.
"Oh, that boy!" Maria said. "Father says that's Pappy's grandson."
"Really," Ann said, more of a statement than a question. "That explains why he's here."
I cocked my head. 'Pappy's grandson?' I asked myself soundlessly. 'Did I know he had a grandson?'
Elli must've been reading my mind. "Why does that sound so familiar?" she asked, eyes dotted with confusion.
"Familiar?" Maria inquired.
"What's familiar?" Popuri added curiously.
"The fact that Pappy had a grandson," I said before Elli could reply.
"Yeah," was all she could say as we stared at each other for a moment.
"Hmm. . ." I murmured, deep in thought. I just couldn't remember. . .did I ever KNOW this grandson?
The other three girls just brushed it aside, clearly not understanding what Elli and I were talking about. "Am I the only one who thinks he's absolutely adorable?" Popuri asked innocently.
"Heck, no!" Ann declared with her usual fiery attitude. "Even I've gotta admit the guy's hot."
Elli and I burst out laughing. Maria blushed shyly, saying, "He was pretty cute, now wasn't he?"
Ann looked at Elli and me expectantly. "Don't you guys think he's, well. . ."
"A sexy mama?" I jokingly finished for her. The entire five of us burst into uncontrollable laughter. The word "sexy" was rarely, if ever, said around this village. So it was undeniably funny (even to conservative people like Maria) if anyone said it. Hilarious, in fact.
When the laughter subsided, Ann wiped happy tears from the corners of her eyes. She tried again, "Don't y'all think he's hot?"
Elli just nodded, where I said, "Of course," with a grin.
After moments of silence, Maria said, "My father told me not to say anything, but I was wondering: Are any of you girls going to be attending the reading of the will?"
I reached in my pocket, just like the other three girls did, and pulled out an off-white sheet of paper with black print speckled on it. I'd received it in the mail this morning. It said:
Miss Karen Mundell,
At 4:00 PM in the church today, you are invited to attend the reading of Joe Tandley's will, as you are a specific part of it. In fact, I urge you to come. Thank you.
Sincerely, Thomas Lopez, Mayor
All of us held out our papers. "Okay, I guess you are," Maria said bashfully.
"I wonder what Pappy left for US?" Elli thought aloud.
"Probably just little things," Popuri replied. "Like books, or music, or old recipes, or pictures. . ."
"You've been thinking about this, haven't you?" Ann said with a playful wink.
Popuri smiled, but made no reply.
I smiled a little too, but secretly wondered what Pappy had left for me. . .
~oOo~
"Good evening, folks. I'm glad you all are here," said the mayor, adjusting his red hat. He was standing behind the sort of pulpit; everyone stared almost unblinkingly at him. "We've got some business to cover."
I looked around the full room quickly. Around me were all the girls and their families, along with my own mother and father. Also spread out amongst the church tables were Hector, Anella, Granny Ellen, and three small children: Kent, May, and Stu.
Mayor Thomas was about to begin speaking again, but was interrupted by the loud creaking of the double doors behind us. I turned my head, along with all those around me, to see the "sexy mama" all of us had been talking about earlier. I got quite a good look at him before he took a seat next to the Potion Shop dealer. As he swiftly apologized for his lateness, I ran my emerald eyes over him curiously.
I noticed right away that he had marvelous bone structure, and his face was, as Ann had said earlier, golden brown. His eyes were beautiful, a milk chocolate brown, filled with sorrow during this hard time, but also with compassion. Matted brown hair poked out a little from his cap, and I swore to myself I had seen this man (or BOY) before. But before I had a chance to think much about it, the mayor's voice grasped my attention once more.
"Now, I know we've not dealt much with wills and such in the past, so this is all rather new, at least to my generation, and that of our growing teenagers." He paused for a moment, daring to smile at the group of us. Surprisingly, only one of the boys my age was present. I noticed only Gray.
As the mayor continued, I was again pulled away from my thoughts. "Our dear Joe has left a lot for us to go through, but we've managed to get it done so we all could get this out of the way."
I assumed "we" meant Mayor Thomas, his wife Anna, and the other elders of the village.
Mayor Thomas opened up a folded piece of paper and began to read:
"My dear loved ones:
I am writing this will on the night of Winter 28."
Everyone in the room gasped. That was only a few nights ago. Even Mayor Thomas Lopez seemed baffled, but he slowly started over.
"My dear loved ones:
I am writing this will on the night of Winter 28. God has told me in a dream that my passing will come soon."
Again, the mayor paused, obvious surprised, just as the rest of us were. But this time, Mayor Thomas did not bother starting over, but instead picked up where he left off.
"My friends, do not be burdened with sadness and grief when it happens. I just want you to know I lived a very long, happy life. You all have been an indescribable blessing to me.
Well, to be quite honest, I don't know much about how this will-writing works, so I ask that you bear with me. My Lord has only informed me of the basic things I need to tell to each one of you. So, as I begin, please know that I love each of you unconditionally, and I always will.
Where to begin? Why, with my very best friend, Hector Paulman. Hector, to you I leave my spare baseball cap. Ha, ha, ha!"
At this, the Potion Shop dealer chuckled merrily, slapping his knee. I smiled to myself, knowing this was some sort of inside joke between the two.
"Just joking with you, my old friend. Although you are certainly welcome to take the cap (it's in my toolbox, heaven knows why), God has commanded me also to leave to you my old Bible. It is filled with messy sidenotes, old written prayers, and unseemly smears, tears, and abrasions (all of which I know will drive you insane, you old perfectionist) but I, and God, would very much love to have you read it. The both of us know you rather well. We know you can read the whole of it in a month or less. Please get down to it, Hector. I love you, my friend. I love you so much."
Tears now filled the potion shop dealer's eyes, and Anella patted his back consolingly.
"And now I move on to the next person God has placed on my heart. Gotz Mundell."
I, and everyone around me, jumped in startledness. Dad?
"I know we never had much in common, Gotz. And that is most of the reason, God tells me, that I never could get through to you. How I wanted to share with you the gospel of Christ! I tried so hard, and a part of me thinks I must've touched your heart somehow. But as I have not been able to get this imporant message across to you, God has told me that someone else will be coming your way. Another disciple of Christ, a man of strong faith and courage. I, myself, do not know who this man is, but something tells me you and I both will soon find out.
Now onto the part where I leave something for you. Gotz Mundell, I am giving to you the old bottle of wine I have saved so diligently since. . .oh, decades ago. Your mother, Eve, gave me this the night before she passed away. The label is, 'Forever Without Worry.' You will find it in the small cupboard behind my television. I love you, Gotz."
For a moment, it looked as if my father was about to cry. He ran a hand through his bushy dark hair, apparently at a loss for words and action. I, myself, was puzzled by Pappy's written words. What was all this business of a dream? Had Pappy's so-called "God" really displayed all of this out for him?
The mayor continued.
"That brings me to my next loved one. Sasha Mundell, your sweet spirit and kind heart have both filled me with hope and kept me waking up in the morning. Thank you, Sasha. God has laid out the rules for your inheritance rather vividly. I, myself did not understand the meaning of this for a while, but now that I have figured it out, I can't wait until you do. To you, I leave the brown bag of seeds that is also stored in the back of my cupboard behind the television. This is also something your mother-in-law gave to me the night before her passing. God came to her, too, in a vision which told her to leave all of this to me, who would later leave it you and your family.
Now listen carefully, Sasha. You are to take this bag of seeds and store it safely somewhere out of sight. And when Fall 30 comes this year, remove the seeds from their place and plant them where all the past year's trees have withered away. Sasha, I know this seems stupid, but just do it. It will pay off, my dear. It will pay off. I love you dearly, Sasha."
Mother wiped a fingerful of tears away from her puffy pink cheeks. I wrapped an arm around her in attempts to soothe her spirit. But inside, I was anxious for Pappy's intentions for me.
"And now, my sweetheart, Miss Karen Mundell. It is very interesting. . .God has revealed that the only thing I really need to do is leave you a special little something. It is to be kept just between you, me, and God, sweetheart, so don't disappoint me. You'll be able to find it when you go with your parents to look behind the television set.
I am joyful to say that God has left it up to me to decide on some material thing to leave behind for you. I have debated about this topic for at least an hour, but I've finally decided on letting you have my entire photo album. It contains sweet memories, candid photos as well as posed, that I think you will largely enjoy. It has grown bigger and bigger over the forty years I have owned it, as I've added pages and pages and pages. Quite a few of these pictures I know you will recognize and remember, and a lot of them will take some inquiring of your mother or some elders of the town. I am sure you will enjoy it, as I have. I also leave to you my collection of ballet music. I received this, too, from your grandmother just before she died. I'm telling you, sweetheart, God has this all figured out. Although I don't think this will have near as much meaning as your mother's inheritance, I know you will enjoy it and be able to practice your beautiful dancing to its sweet, melodic tunes.
Sweetheart, I love you from the bottom of my heart. You have given me such joy all these years we've been around each other. I'll never forget your pink roses, as long as you never forget that special time we had together at the Harvest Festival those few years ago. Again, I love you. Good-bye, sweetheart."
Eyes welling up with tears, I accepted a consoling embrace from my mother. Ann squeezed my arm gently as if to say that she was there for me. I wondered what the "special thing" was that Pappy mentioned. Whatever it was, I didn't consider myself quite ready to look into it yet. I decided that after the reading was over, I'd head over to the farm with my parents and grab the stuff, immediately leaving. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing the farm for more than a few seconds. It was filled too much with both happy and sad memories. . .memories of Pappy and the years we spent as friends. My hands shook. I was scared.
Stroking my hair soothingly, Ann cradled my head as the mayor continued monotonously. Various items and gifts were left to what seemed to be random villagers and friends of Pappy's. Mayor Thomas read through the Midwife's section, as well as Granny Ellen's before speaking on about Elli's inheritance.
"Ah, Elli. Such a meek, humble, and gentle spirit God has blessed you with."
Again, the entire assembly fidgeted in their seats. All this talk of God and "dreams" and "visions" was beginning to make us all nervous. I particularly noticed Doug Green getting jumpy, wiping his brow every once in a while, rubbing his forehead anxiously. Never-the-less, Mayor Thomas kept going.
"I have a special something for you also, which I expect to be kept a secret between us. You'll find it in the coffee table; just open it up and you'll find it, along with the items God has allowed me to leave you. In there, you'll find that stuffed animal you gave me so many years ago. Tell me you still remember Snuffy? Ha, ha, ha! And I mustn't forget. . .I finally found the videos you wanted to see so badly. The ones from my wedding, and 30th anniversary, along with miscellaneous recordings. I even have some of you with the other girls and boys when y'all were just little tots! There are at least six of them, I think. The videos you may share with your friends and loved ones, in fact, I encourage you to. Just keep that other special item between us, my dear. I love you deeply, Elli. God has many things in store for you."
I spotted Elli staring sadly at her folded hands, which rested softly on her lap. Maria placed a hand on her shoulder while Popuri rubbed her back gently.
Next, the mayor read through Basil's and Lillia's (the parents of Popuri) sections. Pappy had not left much for them; just a special formula for fertilizer, and a gardening book. He soon came to Popuri's section:
"And now my sugar-pie Popuri! Ha, ha, ha. Your special something is in the second drawer in my chest of drawers next to the toolbox. Keep it to yourself, sugar-pie. God has plans for you. But I have something else for you, too. It's our special film from when you were just eight years old! Do you remember the Secret Garden? I hope you do. I leave that to you, as well as the book that goes with it. Also, you can keep my 'lucky watering can!' Ha ha ha! You really are a sweet girl, Popuri, and you have a wonderful life ahead of you. I love you dearly, sugar-pie."
I noticed Popuri smiling sadly, obviously remembering all the things Pappy had mentioned.
After that, the mayor read Anna's inheritance, along with his own, getting to Maria's quickly.
"And to you, my Maria, I leave a special something tucked away in my little bookcase. It is to remain a secret between us, honey. But I also leave you something that I WANT you to share. You may have my entire bookcase, with everything in it. I have a multitude of books in there, little as it may seem, along with a few old movies I know you will enjoy. Take it back to your home, or even to the library if you wish. Maybe I even have some books you have not yet read? Ha, ha, ha!
Maria, you must dare to dream. Make your dreams a reality. God can and will help you. I love you, honey."
After that, the Mayor drearily continued on with Doug Green's inheritance. There was quite a lot for his part, although much of it seemed random and miscellaneous. Many of the items were little inside jokes (Doug and Pappy had been good friends) or memorabillia from years ago. At last, he came to Gray's part. Only two small things were left to the boy: Pappy's "special something" and what was left of Bear's old wooden doghouse. FINALLY, it was Ann's turn.
"And now Ann Green, my own little red-headed pumpkin. You, too, get a special something; you will find it in my old rickety barn next to the feeding trough. As I have repeated so many times, this should remain discreet. But you, pumpkin, are allowed to share the things God has let me choose to give you. Do you remember Gretel? She was a very old horse when you were born, but I think you were about four when she died. She used to be my pony; I would ride her around the Moonlit Farm everyday, and I even entered her in the horse races for two years. You get to keep her old bridle, and saddle, and the rest of the tack and stuff I used for her. You will get good use of it, old as it is. You may also keep Bear's old collar, even though it was more of a bandana. It is kept with Gretel's old tack; you will find it there.
God has magnificent things in store for you; so don't miss it. I love you, pumpkin."
Ann's eyes were watery when I looked at her. "I remember," she whispered tearfully.
"Gretel?" I asked in a nearly inaudible voice.
"Yes," she answered, hanging her head sadly. "She was a good pony."
I didn't remember anything about Pappy's old horse. I never knew he ever had one.
As Mayor Thomas began to read Kent's inheritance, I wondered when the grandson's chapter would come along. What had Pappy left for him? Where was Pappy's son? Would he be coming? Would they be staying? What were they planning to do? So many questions crowded into my mind, and I zoned out.
That is, until the Mayor's words jerked me back to attention. I guessed he'd already read what May and Stu would get also. And now I was anxious to hear what Pappy had to say about his son and grandson.
"I know that my son Lyle will probably not be here to hear this, but I trust someone will tell him what I have to say. I have written most of it down in a letter, which he can find under the pillow on my bed. He gets half of the money I am leaving behind, which isn't much, to be honest. He will also receive my entire writing desk. I know he has always wanted it, and so I've waited until the very last second to tell him he can have it.
And I tell you villagers -- "
Everyone inhaled sharply in anticipation.
" -- do NOT sell the Moonlit Farm for ANY reason. For this -- that is, the farm -- is what I leave to my grandson, Jack."
Gasps and murmurs arose in the church, causing Mayor Thomas to pause in silence. I stole a glance at the grandson, "Jack," and saw that he was even more bewildered than any of us. Well, of course he was! He had just inherited the farm!
"Oh, goddess," I said in shock.
"You mean, THANK the goddess!" Ann corrected.
I was confused. "Why?"
"Because," Ann explained, "the last thing we need is for some factory or plant or shopping center to be built there. It's good that someone's taking over."
"Remember, Ann," I said. "This 'Jack' guy can still sell it."
"He won't," Ann replied doubtlessly. "Pappy said not to."
I was about to say that Pappy had told the VILLAGERS not to, but the mayor had begun to hush the people so he could continue.
"Jack, I know you are having doubts right now, but God and I know you can do it. You get my entire property: the farm, the house, the barn, the coop, the shed, the well, the field, everything, as well as the other half the money I am leaving behind. It's all yours. Anything in the house that I didn't give to anyone else belongs to you. Jack, I trust you not to sell the Moonlit Farm. I want you to run it. Move in and start getting it together. I apologize, Jack, because since I've gotten so old, I've stopped planting crops and sold all my animals. I couldn't take care of them. The field is now a mess. It's up to you to get it straightened out. You can do it.
And so I bring this writing to an end. Again, I love you all dearly. God does too. So turn from your wicked ways of the goddess and give yourselves to God."
The entire room burned with intense silence. I knew that the minds of the elders burned with rage that Pappy had "blasphemed" their goddess. I, personally, did not care. I hated the goddess anyway.
"Good-bye, Flower Bud. May God bless you immensely. . .but more importantly, may you bless Him."
~oOoOoOo~
Amaya: Yeah, I know it ended really abrubtly. Don't worry, the next chapter will pick up really close to where this one left off. I hope y'all enjoyed this!! Well, I know it was pretty hard to enjoy. . .how it was all sad and all. But anyway, please review!!
Amaya: Well, hey y'all!! How are y'all doing on this wonderful day? Thank you soooo much, those of you who so graciously reviewed this fic!! I love you so much, I will give each of you a shout-out!!
Harvestboy2001 - Yeah, you better be following this!! Just kidding. I'm expecting some more reviews from you!! =P
The Mewtwo Queen - Thank you honey bunches of oats for your sweet review!! Your approval means a lot to me!!
DivinoDraco - Sorry it's been taking so long to update!! With school starting and everything, my free time has been reduced by a lot. Thanks for your review!!
anime26angel - Thanks so much for your kind reviews!! I'm a HUGE fan of yours, believe me. Your review mean SO MUCH to me. Thank you!! Hugs and kisses!! :-)
fairy-lights1 - Thankies to you, too!! From the bottom of my heart!!
Lady Nailo - From the DEPTHS of my SOUL, thank you for your inspiring review!! It's that kind of encouragement that keeps me writing. Thank you SO MUCH.
Laura Vogel - I completely agree that many things online are horrible stuff. . .I'll do anything I can to contribute to the rare good stuff you see. Thank you so much for your reviews.
I AM ME/LCDM - You are one of my personal favorite reviewers. You always have something nice to say, or some constructive criticism to offer. Thanks for stickin' with me!! You have no idea how much that means to me!! I, too, noticed that Kent and Stu and the preacher all talk about God also, but I never really thought about it, just brushed it aside. I never really got the impression that they worshipped God, just acknowledged His presence. Although, in the story, I'm making it to where they know nothing of a God. Hey, it is my story!! Lol.
farmerboy - I enjoyed your review, and I'm glad you enjoyed this fic. Thank you for adding me to your favorites' list!!
fairyfriend - I love getting reviews from you!! You are so. . .so. . .COOL!! You've always got a little bit of joy to add to your reviews, and I just love 'em!! Thank you so much!!
anonymous - Your review counts as one of my favorites, too!! Thank you honey bunches of oats!!
ND - I didn't really enjoy reading either of your reviews, as they totally bashed God and everything He stands for. NOTHING is impossible with God (Luke 1:37), and the story is not finished yet. No need to jump to conclusions. I intend to keep the story as realistic as God leads me to. Again, God can do ANYTHING, even change the hearts of the older, hard-core goddess believers, and soften them. . .God can throw a mountain into the sea. Don't you believe He can move a village?
Lynnika - I really loved your review!! I have ALWAYS believed Karen and Gray should be together, at least at one point in time. I finally got to make it happen!! Thank you!!
Red Sonic - Oh - my - gosh. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You completely made my day with your review!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! ***beams with happiness***
~oOoOoOo~
The air was crisp and pure, but the cold stung like needles. It was Spring 1, but thick clumps of snow were still piled around Flower Bud, dampening every inhabitant's spirits. . .as if our spirits weren't dampened enough. Normally, we'd be holding the New Year's Festival in the Town Square, but no one could find it in their hearts to postpone Pappy's funeral.
Boots sloshing through the snow, I made my way to the square, accompanied by Mother and Kai. I hugged myself, teeth chattering from the near unbearable cold. Icicles hung, slowly melting, from the still barren trees; frost tinted the windows of every building visible. The sky was gray and gloomy, a perfect match for that day's sad mourning.
I wasn't surprised, upon arrival at the Town Square, to see nearly everybody seated in rows of gray folding chairs, all facing an open, wooden casket. I quickly abandoned my mother and Kai, and found Ann. Sliding into the cold seat next to her, I reached out to grasp her hand with my fingers. We made eye contact, and a single tear escaped my jade green eyes, sliding down my face like a melted popsicle.
An old microphone suddenly whirred and whistled as Brother Jacobson sorrowfully approached it, clearing his throat. "We have come together today as a village to mourn the loss of our beloved Joe Tandley: and to most of Flower Bud's people, our Pappy. But as we recall all the good times, as well as turbulent ones, we must remember that Joe would not want us to continually despair for his lost life."
I nodded, knowing in full that Brother Jacobson's words were true. I sniffled, wiping a stray tear from my puffy red face. I touched a lock of my golden hair with my fingertips, reminded of how Pappy used to reach out with his old wrinkled hand and smooth it out, or gently push it back behind my ear. How I longed for him to do it just one more time. . .
"He's right!" cried Hector, the Potion Shop Dealer.
"Yeah!" shouted the Midwife. "This should be a joyful, cheery. . .good-bye party!"
I tried to smile at their feeble attempts to lighten up the funeral. They had good intentions, I knew, but I just could not overcome the grief. . .the despair.
Brother Jacobson smiled a little, again speaking into the rusty microphone. "If anyone would like to say something to or about our dear Pappy, feel free to step up and share." With that, he collected his sleeves and stepped away from the small platform that had been erected.
Doug Green stepped up first, Ann leaving her seat to join him, followed shortly by the reluctant Gray. "Joe," Doug said, removing his black winter hat in respect. "You were a good man. Some good man you were, Joe. I just want you to know - " He paused, a hint of tears in his last few words, before sniffling and continuing, " - I hold the utmost respect for you." He nodded at Pappy's still body, which lay in the coffin, and stepped off the platform, directly into Hector's friendly embrace.
Gray stepped up with a brief sentence of admiration. "Dad's right, Pappy. Everyone can look up to you. Thanks for all the good times." Wiping away what looked like a tear, he moved away from the mic.
I took a breath as Ann cleared her throat, streaks of tears all down her face. "I love you, Pappy," she said, hardly able to compose herself. "I'll miss you. . .We'll all miss you. You were great, Pappy. Good-bye."
I stood, walking forward to hug my friend tightly. She sobbed onto my shoulder for a moment, as several other people said a word or two about Pappy. I cupped her face in my hands, stroking her cheeks with my thumbs. "It's alright, Ann," I murmured, though I didn't know if I even believed my own words. "It's okay."
Giving her another pat on the back, I strode up the platform, a pink rose in hand, in fact, one of the twelve he'd given me the night of my party. Carefully placing it upon his unmoving chest, I said, inaudibly to all other people (I was not at the microphone), "I'll miss you, Pappy. . .and I hope you know how much you meant, and still mean to me. I love you. Thank you for your lovely pink roses, and yes, they're still my favorite. They always will be." I planted a kiss on my own cold fingers, transferring it to his aged old face. "They always will be."
As I stepped down, my eyes almost completely blurred with tears, I noticed a different face in the crowd, seated in the second row on the lefthand side. I nearly gasped aloud when I noticed he was wearing a blue and orange baseball cap very similar to Pappy's, and that he was staring straight at me. My first reaction was the thought that he was cute, but I pushed it aside. However, I could not help wondering who he was. . .
~oOo~
Later, all of us girls were gathered in Popuri's bedroom. Maria seated herself at a pink desk and sighed. "I was expecting the funeral to be longer and. . .-"
"Drearier," Popuri finished, plopping down onto her bed, stretching herself out on her frontside.
"Me, too." Elli nodded, patting Popuri's back soothingly.
Ann and I said nothing, both of us sitting on a cute pink loveseat near the window. In fact, silence filled the room after Elli's words. Suddenly, Ann just burst into tears. She let herself fall into my arms, and, a bit startled at first, I caught her. The other three girls moved closer, and somehow, we all ended up in a big, five-person embrace. Soon, we were all crying. "Well, don't we look silly," Elli said, wiping away a handful of tears with a sniffle. She stood up, smiling through her puffy pink face.
We all chuckled for a breath, each rubbing at our own watery eyes. Kleenex were soon passed around, providing a supply of relief and even a bit of consolace. After a few minutes of meaningless chatter, Popuri asked, "Did anyone see that boy?"
"What boy?" Maria furrowed her dark eyebrows.
"Yes, I saw him," Elli said, nodding a bit.
"Me, too," I added, flopping down next to Ann on Popuri's bed.
"I think I did," my freckled friend said uncertainly. "The guy with the blue hat and tan face?"
"That's the one I saw," Popuri shrugged with a smile.
"Oh, that boy!" Maria said. "Father says that's Pappy's grandson."
"Really," Ann said, more of a statement than a question. "That explains why he's here."
I cocked my head. 'Pappy's grandson?' I asked myself soundlessly. 'Did I know he had a grandson?'
Elli must've been reading my mind. "Why does that sound so familiar?" she asked, eyes dotted with confusion.
"Familiar?" Maria inquired.
"What's familiar?" Popuri added curiously.
"The fact that Pappy had a grandson," I said before Elli could reply.
"Yeah," was all she could say as we stared at each other for a moment.
"Hmm. . ." I murmured, deep in thought. I just couldn't remember. . .did I ever KNOW this grandson?
The other three girls just brushed it aside, clearly not understanding what Elli and I were talking about. "Am I the only one who thinks he's absolutely adorable?" Popuri asked innocently.
"Heck, no!" Ann declared with her usual fiery attitude. "Even I've gotta admit the guy's hot."
Elli and I burst out laughing. Maria blushed shyly, saying, "He was pretty cute, now wasn't he?"
Ann looked at Elli and me expectantly. "Don't you guys think he's, well. . ."
"A sexy mama?" I jokingly finished for her. The entire five of us burst into uncontrollable laughter. The word "sexy" was rarely, if ever, said around this village. So it was undeniably funny (even to conservative people like Maria) if anyone said it. Hilarious, in fact.
When the laughter subsided, Ann wiped happy tears from the corners of her eyes. She tried again, "Don't y'all think he's hot?"
Elli just nodded, where I said, "Of course," with a grin.
After moments of silence, Maria said, "My father told me not to say anything, but I was wondering: Are any of you girls going to be attending the reading of the will?"
I reached in my pocket, just like the other three girls did, and pulled out an off-white sheet of paper with black print speckled on it. I'd received it in the mail this morning. It said:
Miss Karen Mundell,
At 4:00 PM in the church today, you are invited to attend the reading of Joe Tandley's will, as you are a specific part of it. In fact, I urge you to come. Thank you.
Sincerely, Thomas Lopez, Mayor
All of us held out our papers. "Okay, I guess you are," Maria said bashfully.
"I wonder what Pappy left for US?" Elli thought aloud.
"Probably just little things," Popuri replied. "Like books, or music, or old recipes, or pictures. . ."
"You've been thinking about this, haven't you?" Ann said with a playful wink.
Popuri smiled, but made no reply.
I smiled a little too, but secretly wondered what Pappy had left for me. . .
~oOo~
"Good evening, folks. I'm glad you all are here," said the mayor, adjusting his red hat. He was standing behind the sort of pulpit; everyone stared almost unblinkingly at him. "We've got some business to cover."
I looked around the full room quickly. Around me were all the girls and their families, along with my own mother and father. Also spread out amongst the church tables were Hector, Anella, Granny Ellen, and three small children: Kent, May, and Stu.
Mayor Thomas was about to begin speaking again, but was interrupted by the loud creaking of the double doors behind us. I turned my head, along with all those around me, to see the "sexy mama" all of us had been talking about earlier. I got quite a good look at him before he took a seat next to the Potion Shop dealer. As he swiftly apologized for his lateness, I ran my emerald eyes over him curiously.
I noticed right away that he had marvelous bone structure, and his face was, as Ann had said earlier, golden brown. His eyes were beautiful, a milk chocolate brown, filled with sorrow during this hard time, but also with compassion. Matted brown hair poked out a little from his cap, and I swore to myself I had seen this man (or BOY) before. But before I had a chance to think much about it, the mayor's voice grasped my attention once more.
"Now, I know we've not dealt much with wills and such in the past, so this is all rather new, at least to my generation, and that of our growing teenagers." He paused for a moment, daring to smile at the group of us. Surprisingly, only one of the boys my age was present. I noticed only Gray.
As the mayor continued, I was again pulled away from my thoughts. "Our dear Joe has left a lot for us to go through, but we've managed to get it done so we all could get this out of the way."
I assumed "we" meant Mayor Thomas, his wife Anna, and the other elders of the village.
Mayor Thomas opened up a folded piece of paper and began to read:
"My dear loved ones:
I am writing this will on the night of Winter 28."
Everyone in the room gasped. That was only a few nights ago. Even Mayor Thomas Lopez seemed baffled, but he slowly started over.
"My dear loved ones:
I am writing this will on the night of Winter 28. God has told me in a dream that my passing will come soon."
Again, the mayor paused, obvious surprised, just as the rest of us were. But this time, Mayor Thomas did not bother starting over, but instead picked up where he left off.
"My friends, do not be burdened with sadness and grief when it happens. I just want you to know I lived a very long, happy life. You all have been an indescribable blessing to me.
Well, to be quite honest, I don't know much about how this will-writing works, so I ask that you bear with me. My Lord has only informed me of the basic things I need to tell to each one of you. So, as I begin, please know that I love each of you unconditionally, and I always will.
Where to begin? Why, with my very best friend, Hector Paulman. Hector, to you I leave my spare baseball cap. Ha, ha, ha!"
At this, the Potion Shop dealer chuckled merrily, slapping his knee. I smiled to myself, knowing this was some sort of inside joke between the two.
"Just joking with you, my old friend. Although you are certainly welcome to take the cap (it's in my toolbox, heaven knows why), God has commanded me also to leave to you my old Bible. It is filled with messy sidenotes, old written prayers, and unseemly smears, tears, and abrasions (all of which I know will drive you insane, you old perfectionist) but I, and God, would very much love to have you read it. The both of us know you rather well. We know you can read the whole of it in a month or less. Please get down to it, Hector. I love you, my friend. I love you so much."
Tears now filled the potion shop dealer's eyes, and Anella patted his back consolingly.
"And now I move on to the next person God has placed on my heart. Gotz Mundell."
I, and everyone around me, jumped in startledness. Dad?
"I know we never had much in common, Gotz. And that is most of the reason, God tells me, that I never could get through to you. How I wanted to share with you the gospel of Christ! I tried so hard, and a part of me thinks I must've touched your heart somehow. But as I have not been able to get this imporant message across to you, God has told me that someone else will be coming your way. Another disciple of Christ, a man of strong faith and courage. I, myself, do not know who this man is, but something tells me you and I both will soon find out.
Now onto the part where I leave something for you. Gotz Mundell, I am giving to you the old bottle of wine I have saved so diligently since. . .oh, decades ago. Your mother, Eve, gave me this the night before she passed away. The label is, 'Forever Without Worry.' You will find it in the small cupboard behind my television. I love you, Gotz."
For a moment, it looked as if my father was about to cry. He ran a hand through his bushy dark hair, apparently at a loss for words and action. I, myself, was puzzled by Pappy's written words. What was all this business of a dream? Had Pappy's so-called "God" really displayed all of this out for him?
The mayor continued.
"That brings me to my next loved one. Sasha Mundell, your sweet spirit and kind heart have both filled me with hope and kept me waking up in the morning. Thank you, Sasha. God has laid out the rules for your inheritance rather vividly. I, myself did not understand the meaning of this for a while, but now that I have figured it out, I can't wait until you do. To you, I leave the brown bag of seeds that is also stored in the back of my cupboard behind the television. This is also something your mother-in-law gave to me the night before her passing. God came to her, too, in a vision which told her to leave all of this to me, who would later leave it you and your family.
Now listen carefully, Sasha. You are to take this bag of seeds and store it safely somewhere out of sight. And when Fall 30 comes this year, remove the seeds from their place and plant them where all the past year's trees have withered away. Sasha, I know this seems stupid, but just do it. It will pay off, my dear. It will pay off. I love you dearly, Sasha."
Mother wiped a fingerful of tears away from her puffy pink cheeks. I wrapped an arm around her in attempts to soothe her spirit. But inside, I was anxious for Pappy's intentions for me.
"And now, my sweetheart, Miss Karen Mundell. It is very interesting. . .God has revealed that the only thing I really need to do is leave you a special little something. It is to be kept just between you, me, and God, sweetheart, so don't disappoint me. You'll be able to find it when you go with your parents to look behind the television set.
I am joyful to say that God has left it up to me to decide on some material thing to leave behind for you. I have debated about this topic for at least an hour, but I've finally decided on letting you have my entire photo album. It contains sweet memories, candid photos as well as posed, that I think you will largely enjoy. It has grown bigger and bigger over the forty years I have owned it, as I've added pages and pages and pages. Quite a few of these pictures I know you will recognize and remember, and a lot of them will take some inquiring of your mother or some elders of the town. I am sure you will enjoy it, as I have. I also leave to you my collection of ballet music. I received this, too, from your grandmother just before she died. I'm telling you, sweetheart, God has this all figured out. Although I don't think this will have near as much meaning as your mother's inheritance, I know you will enjoy it and be able to practice your beautiful dancing to its sweet, melodic tunes.
Sweetheart, I love you from the bottom of my heart. You have given me such joy all these years we've been around each other. I'll never forget your pink roses, as long as you never forget that special time we had together at the Harvest Festival those few years ago. Again, I love you. Good-bye, sweetheart."
Eyes welling up with tears, I accepted a consoling embrace from my mother. Ann squeezed my arm gently as if to say that she was there for me. I wondered what the "special thing" was that Pappy mentioned. Whatever it was, I didn't consider myself quite ready to look into it yet. I decided that after the reading was over, I'd head over to the farm with my parents and grab the stuff, immediately leaving. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing the farm for more than a few seconds. It was filled too much with both happy and sad memories. . .memories of Pappy and the years we spent as friends. My hands shook. I was scared.
Stroking my hair soothingly, Ann cradled my head as the mayor continued monotonously. Various items and gifts were left to what seemed to be random villagers and friends of Pappy's. Mayor Thomas read through the Midwife's section, as well as Granny Ellen's before speaking on about Elli's inheritance.
"Ah, Elli. Such a meek, humble, and gentle spirit God has blessed you with."
Again, the entire assembly fidgeted in their seats. All this talk of God and "dreams" and "visions" was beginning to make us all nervous. I particularly noticed Doug Green getting jumpy, wiping his brow every once in a while, rubbing his forehead anxiously. Never-the-less, Mayor Thomas kept going.
"I have a special something for you also, which I expect to be kept a secret between us. You'll find it in the coffee table; just open it up and you'll find it, along with the items God has allowed me to leave you. In there, you'll find that stuffed animal you gave me so many years ago. Tell me you still remember Snuffy? Ha, ha, ha! And I mustn't forget. . .I finally found the videos you wanted to see so badly. The ones from my wedding, and 30th anniversary, along with miscellaneous recordings. I even have some of you with the other girls and boys when y'all were just little tots! There are at least six of them, I think. The videos you may share with your friends and loved ones, in fact, I encourage you to. Just keep that other special item between us, my dear. I love you deeply, Elli. God has many things in store for you."
I spotted Elli staring sadly at her folded hands, which rested softly on her lap. Maria placed a hand on her shoulder while Popuri rubbed her back gently.
Next, the mayor read through Basil's and Lillia's (the parents of Popuri) sections. Pappy had not left much for them; just a special formula for fertilizer, and a gardening book. He soon came to Popuri's section:
"And now my sugar-pie Popuri! Ha, ha, ha. Your special something is in the second drawer in my chest of drawers next to the toolbox. Keep it to yourself, sugar-pie. God has plans for you. But I have something else for you, too. It's our special film from when you were just eight years old! Do you remember the Secret Garden? I hope you do. I leave that to you, as well as the book that goes with it. Also, you can keep my 'lucky watering can!' Ha ha ha! You really are a sweet girl, Popuri, and you have a wonderful life ahead of you. I love you dearly, sugar-pie."
I noticed Popuri smiling sadly, obviously remembering all the things Pappy had mentioned.
After that, the mayor read Anna's inheritance, along with his own, getting to Maria's quickly.
"And to you, my Maria, I leave a special something tucked away in my little bookcase. It is to remain a secret between us, honey. But I also leave you something that I WANT you to share. You may have my entire bookcase, with everything in it. I have a multitude of books in there, little as it may seem, along with a few old movies I know you will enjoy. Take it back to your home, or even to the library if you wish. Maybe I even have some books you have not yet read? Ha, ha, ha!
Maria, you must dare to dream. Make your dreams a reality. God can and will help you. I love you, honey."
After that, the Mayor drearily continued on with Doug Green's inheritance. There was quite a lot for his part, although much of it seemed random and miscellaneous. Many of the items were little inside jokes (Doug and Pappy had been good friends) or memorabillia from years ago. At last, he came to Gray's part. Only two small things were left to the boy: Pappy's "special something" and what was left of Bear's old wooden doghouse. FINALLY, it was Ann's turn.
"And now Ann Green, my own little red-headed pumpkin. You, too, get a special something; you will find it in my old rickety barn next to the feeding trough. As I have repeated so many times, this should remain discreet. But you, pumpkin, are allowed to share the things God has let me choose to give you. Do you remember Gretel? She was a very old horse when you were born, but I think you were about four when she died. She used to be my pony; I would ride her around the Moonlit Farm everyday, and I even entered her in the horse races for two years. You get to keep her old bridle, and saddle, and the rest of the tack and stuff I used for her. You will get good use of it, old as it is. You may also keep Bear's old collar, even though it was more of a bandana. It is kept with Gretel's old tack; you will find it there.
God has magnificent things in store for you; so don't miss it. I love you, pumpkin."
Ann's eyes were watery when I looked at her. "I remember," she whispered tearfully.
"Gretel?" I asked in a nearly inaudible voice.
"Yes," she answered, hanging her head sadly. "She was a good pony."
I didn't remember anything about Pappy's old horse. I never knew he ever had one.
As Mayor Thomas began to read Kent's inheritance, I wondered when the grandson's chapter would come along. What had Pappy left for him? Where was Pappy's son? Would he be coming? Would they be staying? What were they planning to do? So many questions crowded into my mind, and I zoned out.
That is, until the Mayor's words jerked me back to attention. I guessed he'd already read what May and Stu would get also. And now I was anxious to hear what Pappy had to say about his son and grandson.
"I know that my son Lyle will probably not be here to hear this, but I trust someone will tell him what I have to say. I have written most of it down in a letter, which he can find under the pillow on my bed. He gets half of the money I am leaving behind, which isn't much, to be honest. He will also receive my entire writing desk. I know he has always wanted it, and so I've waited until the very last second to tell him he can have it.
And I tell you villagers -- "
Everyone inhaled sharply in anticipation.
" -- do NOT sell the Moonlit Farm for ANY reason. For this -- that is, the farm -- is what I leave to my grandson, Jack."
Gasps and murmurs arose in the church, causing Mayor Thomas to pause in silence. I stole a glance at the grandson, "Jack," and saw that he was even more bewildered than any of us. Well, of course he was! He had just inherited the farm!
"Oh, goddess," I said in shock.
"You mean, THANK the goddess!" Ann corrected.
I was confused. "Why?"
"Because," Ann explained, "the last thing we need is for some factory or plant or shopping center to be built there. It's good that someone's taking over."
"Remember, Ann," I said. "This 'Jack' guy can still sell it."
"He won't," Ann replied doubtlessly. "Pappy said not to."
I was about to say that Pappy had told the VILLAGERS not to, but the mayor had begun to hush the people so he could continue.
"Jack, I know you are having doubts right now, but God and I know you can do it. You get my entire property: the farm, the house, the barn, the coop, the shed, the well, the field, everything, as well as the other half the money I am leaving behind. It's all yours. Anything in the house that I didn't give to anyone else belongs to you. Jack, I trust you not to sell the Moonlit Farm. I want you to run it. Move in and start getting it together. I apologize, Jack, because since I've gotten so old, I've stopped planting crops and sold all my animals. I couldn't take care of them. The field is now a mess. It's up to you to get it straightened out. You can do it.
And so I bring this writing to an end. Again, I love you all dearly. God does too. So turn from your wicked ways of the goddess and give yourselves to God."
The entire room burned with intense silence. I knew that the minds of the elders burned with rage that Pappy had "blasphemed" their goddess. I, personally, did not care. I hated the goddess anyway.
"Good-bye, Flower Bud. May God bless you immensely. . .but more importantly, may you bless Him."
~oOoOoOo~
Amaya: Yeah, I know it ended really abrubtly. Don't worry, the next chapter will pick up really close to where this one left off. I hope y'all enjoyed this!! Well, I know it was pretty hard to enjoy. . .how it was all sad and all. But anyway, please review!!